Bill Luhrs, loving father, brother and friend, passed away peacefully on Jan. 14, 2013. William John (Bill) Luhrs was born on June 14, 1928 to William A. and Alice Klink Luhrs in Primghar, Iowa. Bill’s mother Alice passed away when he was 15 years of age and his father later remarried Bill’s stepmother, Nellie Brink Luhrs.

As Bill grew up in his hometown of Primghar, he enjoyed a happy, adventuresome life on the family farm and popularity in school. After graduating from high school Bill joined the army. He was very proud of his years of service in the 82nd Airborne Division of the U.S. Army and had many an interesting tale of his exploits with his brothers in arms during that time.

In 1950, Bill married the love of his life, Carolee, and they had 59 years together before her passing in 2009. During their years together Bill worked in the mining industry, processing uranium, copper, potash and gold. He loved staking his own claims with his partners and his son, Chad, in the early years. Bill was the head construction engineer and mill superintendent for the Shoot a Ring Canyon operation in the mid 1970s. Although the market did not allow for the mill to open after completion, those years were the source for some of our dad’s best stories.

Services were held at 1 p.m. on Jan. 20, at Spanish Valley Mortuary.

The family wishes to thank all those who were present and who sent their condolences. We would also like to thank the loving and attentive staff and management at the Heirloom Inn and Rocky Mtn. Hospice for making our father’s last years so happy and comfortable.

He was preceded in death by his loving wife, Carolee, niece, Lindsey, father, William A., mother, Alice and stepmother, Nellie.

Bill’s love of adventure, his integrity, imagination, leadership and love will be sorely missed by all of us who loved and respected him throughout his years on this earth. We will miss his stories but know that he has now reunited with our mother, Carolee, and dear niece, Lindsey.

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